You've seen the elite pictures from this year's Flora London Marathon - now it's your turn to be the stars. We've selected 40 of the photos we took around the course of real runners just like you. There are 10 to a page, roughly ordered by time

the experience of the ordinary runner (of course, the two can be related: elite fields draw the TV coverage, which draws crowds, competitors and money to the race). Among other things, we scored the races for beauty, atmosphere and speed. And, hand on heart, we

seasoned marathon veterans. Even the armchair fan is catered for with the kind of elite field that even the Olympics or World Championships envy. The inaugural event in 1981 was inspired by the New York City Marathon, but its ongoing success has made

5. Boston MarathonBoston is the world’s oldest marathon, steeped in tradition and history, with fabulous crowd support, a top-class elite field and a surprisingly quick point-to-point course. Sadly it’s also a marathon that the majority of runners

Marathon has traditionally failed to catch the imagination of the running public. Things have definitely changed. The organisation has improved noticeably and it has the budget to draw a decent elite field – runners now flock to the race in their thousands

.The Fordingbridge 10 is a one-lap course run across undulating country roads and takes in picturesque Hampshire villages along the way. And what it may not have in elite runners, it makes up for with its friendly atmosphere. The event caters for all abilities

, the finish, the medal, expression on my kids faces, seeing the elite runners go through 22 miles when I'd done 13 - gosh those guys can fly - raising £1,800 for MEDICSBad bits - Lucozade (used to like it but too much in one session), pulled hamstring at 22

Whatever success, or not, our elite endurance runners currently enjoy, there is no question that Britain has a thriving and healthy racing scene. On any given weekend, you can find up to 60 road races around the country, and there are more than 2500

Ever wondered how much carbohydrate those lean, mean elite athletes eat the night before a race? Think of a decent-sized portion of pasta, double it, add rice, then a bread roll and you're just about there. Staying in the same Lisbon hotel

Marvejols-MendeMonth JulyLocation The Cévennes (Lozère – the southern part of the Massif Central)Distance 22.4KWhy do it This is one of the French classics, attracting a wide range of runners, including a fair elite section. In case you think it’s a